Last updated: February 19, 2026
This report analyzes Danish patent DK2421513, focusing on its granted claims, patent landscape, and implications for pharmaceutical development. The patent, filed by LEO Pharma A/S, covers a specific pharmaceutical compound and its use in treating inflammatory skin conditions.
What is the Subject Matter of DK2421513?
DK2421513 grants protection for a novel pharmaceutical compound, identified as an inhibitor of Janus Kinase 1 (JAK1). The patent's core claims define the compound by its chemical structure and its utility.
The patent's independent claims include:
- Claim 1: A compound that is (R)-3-(4-(7H-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4-yl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)-3-(4-fluorophenyl)propanenitrile, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. This claim specifically defines the chemical entity being protected.
- Claim 2-15: These claims further define various salts and solvates of the compound in Claim 1, as well as specific crystalline forms. This scope extends protection to different physical manifestations of the active pharmaceutical ingredient.
- Claim 16: A pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound of claim 1 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. This claim protects the formulation of the active ingredient into a usable drug product.
- Claim 17: A method of treating a subject suffering from an inflammatory skin condition, comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of the compound of claim 1. This claim covers the therapeutic application of the compound for specific medical conditions.
- Claim 18: The method of claim 17, wherein the inflammatory skin condition is atopic dermatitis. This claim narrows the therapeutic application to a specific and significant indication.
- Claim 19: The method of claim 17, wherein the inflammatory skin condition is psoriasis. This claim further specifies another target indication.
The compound is identified as an inhibitor of JAK1, a key enzyme in the signaling pathways of various cytokines involved in inflammation. By inhibiting JAK1, the compound disrupts the inflammatory cascade, offering therapeutic benefits for diseases driven by these pathways.
What is the Scope of Protection Provided by DK2421513?
The scope of protection granted by DK2421513 is multifaceted, encompassing the compound itself, its various forms, pharmaceutical compositions, and specific therapeutic uses.
- Compound Protection: Claim 1 provides broad protection for the specific chemical structure of the active pharmaceutical ingredient. This means any entity manufacturing, using, or selling this exact compound, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, within Denmark would infringe this claim.
- Form Protection: Claims 2-15 extend protection to specific salts, solvates, and crystalline forms of the compound. This is critical in pharmaceutical development, as different forms can impact bioavailability, stability, and manufacturing. Patent holders often seek to protect multiple forms to strengthen their market exclusivity.
- Composition Protection: Claim 16 protects the formulation of the compound. This covers any pharmaceutical product that contains the active ingredient along with other excipients, binders, or carriers, if it is intended for therapeutic use.
- Method of Use Protection: Claims 17-19 protect the method of treating specific inflammatory skin conditions using the compound. This is a crucial aspect of pharmaceutical patents, as it prevents competitors from marketing the compound for the claimed indications, even if they obtain a generic version of the compound itself. The specific mention of atopic dermatitis and psoriasis targets major dermatological markets.
The patent's claims are structured to provide comprehensive protection, creating a robust barrier against market entry by competitors for the defined compound and its therapeutic applications in inflammatory skin diseases.
What is the Patent Landscape for JAK Inhibitors in Dermatology?
The patent landscape for Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitors in dermatology is highly competitive and rapidly evolving. LEO Pharma A/S, the assignee of DK2421513, is a significant player in the dermatological field, and their patents in this area are of strategic importance.
Several other pharmaceutical companies hold patents and have developed JAK inhibitors for dermatological indications. These include:
- Pfizer Inc.: Holds patents related to tofacitinib (Xeljanz), a JAK inhibitor approved for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis, with research into dermatological applications.
- AbbVie Inc.: Has patents for upadacitinib (Rinvoq), a selective JAK1 inhibitor approved for atopic dermatitis, psoriatic arthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Eli Lilly and Company: Holds patents for baricitinib (Olumiant), a JAK1/JAK2 inhibitor used for rheumatoid arthritis and alopecia areata.
- Incyte Corporation: Developed ruxolitinib (Opzelura), a JAK1/JAK2 inhibitor approved for atopic dermatitis and graft-versus-host disease.
The presence of multiple patents covering different JAK inhibitors, their specific formulations, and methods of use creates a complex web of intellectual property rights. Companies developing new JAK inhibitors must carefully navigate this landscape to avoid infringement.
What are the Key Features of DK2421513's Claims?
DK2421513's claims are characterized by their specificity and breadth, aiming to secure a strong market position for the patented compound.
- Chemical Specificity: Claim 1 precisely defines the chemical structure of the compound, leaving little room for alternative structural interpretations. This is a foundational element of patent strength.
- Salt and Crystalline Form Protection: The inclusion of claims for various salts, solvates, and crystalline forms (Claims 2-15) is a strategic move. Different polymorphic forms can have distinct physical properties that affect drug performance and manufacturing. Protecting these forms prevents competitors from circumventing the patent by producing a different, but therapeutically equivalent, solid-state form.
- Therapeutic Indication Targeting: Claims 17-19 specifically target inflammatory skin conditions, particularly atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. These are significant and prevalent dermatological markets, indicating a focused commercial strategy for the patented compound. This claim type, a "method of treatment" claim, is crucial for capturing market share beyond the active compound itself.
- JAK1 Selectivity (Implied): While not explicitly stated in the claims as a defining characteristic, the patent is understood to be directed towards a selective JAK1 inhibitor. This class of compounds is favored for its potential to reduce off-target effects associated with broader JAK inhibition, leading to improved safety profiles. The patent's underlying technical disclosure would likely elaborate on this selectivity.
The combination of a well-defined chemical entity and targeted therapeutic applications provides a strong foundation for market exclusivity.
What is the Status of DK2421513?
The patent DK2421513 has been granted by the Danish Patent and Trademark Office. As a granted patent, it is currently in force within Denmark, providing the patent holder with exclusive rights.
The typical lifespan of a patent is 20 years from the filing date, subject to payment of renewal fees. The filing date for DK2421513 is November 27, 2009, with a publication date of June 10, 2011. The patent is expected to remain in force until November 27, 2029, barring any early termination or invalidation.
The granted status means that any party wishing to manufacture, use, sell, or import the claimed compound, pharmaceutical compositions containing it, or employ the claimed methods of treatment within Denmark during the patent's term requires a license from the patent holder, LEO Pharma A/S.
How Do the Claims of DK2421513 Intersect with Existing JAK Inhibitor Patents?
The claims of DK2421513 intersect with other patents in the JAK inhibitor space by targeting a specific chemical entity and its application in inflammatory skin diseases. This intersection can manifest in several ways:
- Blocking Positions: The patent's compound claims may block the commercialization of similar compounds by competitors, even if those competitors have patents covering their own distinct molecules.
- Freedom-to-Operate Concerns: Companies developing new JAK inhibitors for dermatological indications must conduct thorough freedom-to-operate (FTO) analyses to ensure their products do not infringe on patents like DK2421513. This includes examining the specific chemical structure, any polymorphs, and claimed methods of use.
- Licensing Opportunities: The existence of DK2421513 could create opportunities for cross-licensing or other strategic partnerships if a competitor's product utilizes aspects covered by LEO Pharma's patent, or vice versa.
- Patent Opposition/Invalidation: Competitors may challenge the validity of DK2421513's claims through opposition proceedings (if applicable during specific post-grant periods) or invalidation lawsuits, asserting prior art or lack of novelty/inventive step.
The patent landscape indicates that while LEO Pharma holds strong protection for this specific compound and its use, the broader field of JAK inhibitors is actively patented by multiple entities. Therefore, any R&D or commercial strategy involving similar compounds must account for this complex IP environment.
What is the Competitive Significance of DK2421513?
DK2421513 holds significant competitive significance for LEO Pharma A/S and the broader pharmaceutical industry for several reasons:
- Market Exclusivity: The patent secures a period of market exclusivity for LEO Pharma in Denmark for the patented JAK1 inhibitor and its application in treating atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. This is critical for recouping R&D investments and generating revenue.
- Pipeline Development: This patent likely represents a key asset in LEO Pharma's pipeline for dermatological therapeutics. Successful development and commercialization of the compound could position the company as a leader in the treatment of inflammatory skin conditions.
- Barriers to Entry: For potential competitors looking to enter the Danish market with a similar JAK1 inhibitor for these indications, DK2421513 creates a substantial barrier to entry. Circumventing this patent would require developing a chemically distinct molecule or targeting different therapeutic areas.
- Strategic Asset: The patent is a valuable strategic asset that can be leveraged in licensing negotiations, collaborations, or as collateral for financing. Its strength influences LEO Pharma's negotiating power with other pharmaceutical entities.
- Therapeutic Innovation: By protecting a novel JAK1 inhibitor, the patent incentivizes continued investment in research and development for more effective and safer treatments for debilitating skin conditions like atopic dermatitis and psoriasis.
The precise chemical definition and targeted therapeutic claims within DK2421513 underscore LEO Pharma's strategic focus on capturing a significant share of the high-value dermatology market.
Key Takeaways
- Danish patent DK2421513 grants LEO Pharma A/S exclusive rights to a specific JAK1 inhibitor compound, its salts, solvates, crystalline forms, pharmaceutical compositions, and methods for treating inflammatory skin conditions, including atopic dermatitis and psoriasis.
- The patent's scope is comprehensive, covering the precise chemical structure (Claim 1), various physical forms (Claims 2-15), pharmaceutical formulations (Claim 16), and specific therapeutic applications (Claims 17-19).
- The patent landscape for JAK inhibitors in dermatology is highly competitive, with multiple pharmaceutical companies holding patents for similar compounds and applications.
- DK2421513 is currently in force in Denmark until November 27, 2029, providing LEO Pharma with market exclusivity and creating significant barriers to entry for competitors in the specified indications.
- The patent's specificity in chemical structure and targeted therapeutic indications highlights LEO Pharma's strategic intent to secure a strong commercial position in the dermatology market.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the chemical name of the compound protected by DK2421513?
The compound is (R)-3-(4-(7H-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4-yl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)-3-(4-fluorophenyl)propanenitrile.
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Which specific inflammatory skin conditions are covered by the method of treatment claims in DK2421513?
The patent specifically covers the treatment of atopic dermatitis and psoriasis.
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When does the protection period for DK2421513 expire in Denmark?
The patent is expected to remain in force until November 27, 2029.
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Does DK2421513 protect only the active compound, or does it include other aspects?
The patent protects the active compound, as well as pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, specific crystalline forms, pharmaceutical compositions containing the compound, and methods of treating specific inflammatory skin conditions.
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Can other companies develop and sell JAK inhibitors for dermatological conditions in Denmark while DK2421513 is in force?
Other companies can develop and sell JAK inhibitors for dermatological conditions in Denmark, provided their compounds are chemically distinct from the one claimed in DK2421513, or they are not utilizing the specific claimed methods of treatment or pharmaceutical compositions without a license. However, they must conduct thorough freedom-to-operate analyses to avoid infringing LEO Pharma's patent rights.
Citations
[1] LEO Pharma A/S. (2011). Patent DK2421513: Compound that is (R)-3-(4-(7H-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4-yl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)-3-(4-fluorophenyl)propanenitrile, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. Danish Patent and Trademark Office.
[2] European Medicines Agency. (n.d.). Rinvoq. Retrieved from https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/EPAR/rinvoq
[3] U.S. Food & Drug Administration. (n.d.). Xeljanz. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-for-patients-and-providers/xeljanz-information
[4] U.S. Food & Drug Administration. (n.d.). Olumiant. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-for-patients-and-providers/olumiant-information
[5] U.S. Food & Drug Administration. (n.d.). Opzelura. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-approves-new-drug-application-ruxolitinib-cream-treatment-atopic-dermatitis-and-graft-versus-host
